Study 3
Chervinskaya A.V., Biskys V.
14th International Conference on Health Promoting Hospitals, Palanga, Lithuania, May, 2006, II-5.3.
Aerosol respiratory hygiene as a main part of prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) and health promotion for patients in hospitals
The experts of WHO forecast the subsequent increase of COPD and asthma on worldwide. Mainly it has been related to deteriorative ecologic situation. To stop this tendency aerosol methods with physical factors are preferable because of physiological action without system side effects. Dry salt inhalation therapy has a long history inEuropesince 19-th century. Nowadays there are a number of resorts are exploiting salt caves for patients with pulmonary diseases. Halotherapy (HT) is the result of adapting natural salt aerosol from salt caves to flexible usage in other locations. In addition to availability the ability to deliver a specified varied dose of dry rack salt represents a major advantage of HT over the treatment in natural salt caves. Over 15 years, numerous expert groups have worked on standardization of halochambers based on exact understanding of condition in salt caves. HT was sanctioned by Ministry of Public Health in Russia and Lithuania. The efficiency of HT for care of respiratory and allergic diseases, ENT-pathologies was proved by many scientists in controlled studies. The inclusion of HT into the rehabilitation course of pulmonary pathology patients (with asthma, COPD, bronchitis, pneumonia and others) allows achieving therapeutic effect by 82–95% of cases along with the most optimal use of pharmacotherapy. It has shown that the application of the HT assured 1.5-2 times reduction of morbidity level in long term observation. Dry sodium chloride aerosol has positive effect on the defense system of the respiratory tracts. It enhances mucociliary clearance in conjunction with normalization of bronchial microflora and immunological benefits. Data from prevention studies showed strong efficacy of dry salt aerosol in reducing the risk of common cold during cold season. HT may be recommended to healthy persons and patients with chronic respiratory diseases prior to or during every cold season. Evaluation of respiratory symptoms, functional parameters, local immunity in persons with risk factor of lung diseases, confirmed their significant changes under the action of HT. It can use as a sanitary method for respiratory airways. We look at positioning of dry sodium chloride aerosol with HT as a main component of respiratory hygiene for prevention of respiratory diseases, relief of environment hazards and rehabilitation of chronic patients. As a consequence of clinical and mechanism acting understanding of HT, the concept of “maintaining bronchial health” appears to be helpful in health promotion activity of hospitals.